Name: Cowboy Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet); 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 4 cups beef broth; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Salt & pepper to taste; Optional: 1/2 tsp chili powder or hot sauce

This Cowboy Soup is rustic, hearty, and the perfect comfort dish to warm you from the inside out. Packed with ground beef, chunky potatoes, colorful bell peppers, tender veggies, and a savory tomato-based broth, every spoonful delivers bold flavor and home-cooked goodness. It’s the kind of soup that brings back memories of a crackling fire, worn boots, and a full heart after a long day.

What makes this dish especially irresistible is how easy it is to throw together with pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something satisfying and soul-soothing, Cowboy Soup checks every box. It’s protein-packed, deeply flavorful, and flexible enough to make your own with a few swaps or additions.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Soup

One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one pot—less cleanup, more enjoyment.
Wholesome and Filling: A full meal on its own, with meat, vegetables, and starchy goodness in every bite.
Family-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters love the bold, hearty flavors.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients that stretch far.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day after the flavors mingle.
Customizable: Swap the veggies, spice it up, or keep it mild—Cowboy Soup works every time.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and save some for a rainy day.
Cozy Vibes Only: Perfect for chilly nights, game days, or any time you want comfort in a bowl.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Cowboy Soup

Getting everything ready before you turn on the stove is key to making this Cowboy Soup experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need in terms of tools and why each one matters:

Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven: This is your main cooking vessel. A heavy pot distributes heat evenly and helps the soup simmer gently without scorching.
Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: Great for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the soup as it cooks. You want something sturdy to handle all those chunky ingredients.
Cutting Board and Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for prepping the veggies. A sharp knife helps you get clean, even cuts, which makes cooking more uniform.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: For getting the right ratios of broth, seasonings, and canned ingredients.
Ladle: Once it’s ready, a ladle makes serving easy and mess-free.
Optional: Colander: If you’re draining any canned veggies or rinsing beans, this will come in handy.

Having these tools prepped and ready lets you focus on cooking without scrambling to find that missing spoon or pot in the middle of it all.

Preparation Tips

Chop Everything Before You Start: Dice all the potatoes, onions, and peppers in advance so they’re ready to toss in when needed.
Drain the Ground Beef: After browning the meat, drain excess fat for a less greasy soup (unless you want the full cowboy experience).
Use Frozen Veggies for Speed: If you’re short on time, frozen mixed vegetables work perfectly and don’t require chopping.
Prep a Double Batch: This soup freezes beautifully, so consider making extra for future meals.
Low and Slow Simmer: Let it simmer longer if you have time. The flavors deepen and blend better.
Taste as You Go: The broth and tomatoes might add salt, so taste before adding more seasoning.
Keep a Lid Handy: Especially helpful during the simmer phase to prevent too much liquid from evaporating.
Customize at the End: Add heat (hot sauce, chili flakes) or creaminess (cheddar, sour cream) right before serving for a personalized touch.

Ingredients for this Cowboy Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this bold and satisfying Cowboy Soup to life. These ingredients strike the perfect balance between hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly:

1 lb ground beef – The base of that classic cowboy flavor; rich, savory, and filling.
1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Brings a subtle, earthy bite that enhances the beef.
2 cups diced potatoes – Russet or Yukon golds work great; they soak up all that tasty broth.
1 cup diced carrots – Sweet and tender after simmering, adding great texture.
1 cup green beans (fresh, canned, or frozen) – For a vibrant crunch and color.
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen) – Sweetness and color that rounds out the dish.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice – Forms part of the rich tomato-based broth.
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – Adds thickness and that comforting tomato flavor.
4 cups beef broth – The savory liquid that ties everything together.
1 tsp smoked paprika – For a slightly smoky, bold background note.
1/2 tsp dried oregano – Brings an herbaceous balance.
Salt & pepper to taste – Adjust to your liking, especially after simmering.
Optional: 1/2 tsp chili powder or hot sauce – If you like your soup with a kick.

Tip: Feel free to substitute or add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even canned beans if you’re looking to bulk it up further.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat your large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. This step sets a flavorful foundation for the whole dish.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Tomatoes

Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, green beans, and corn. Then pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and tomato sauce. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables and meat in the rich tomato base.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Season

Add the beef broth to the pot, followed by smoked paprika, oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. If you want a bit of heat, toss in the chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow

Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally. The potatoes and carrots should be tender, and the broth should be rich and flavorful.

Step 6: Final Taste and Adjustments

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spice depending on your preference. If the broth thickens too much, stir in a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or shredded cheddar if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the deep, comforting flavors of true cowboy cooking.

Notes

Make it Your Own: Cowboy Soup is super flexible. You can add beans, swap in ground turkey, or use whatever veggies are hanging out in your fridge.
Go for the Gold (Potatoes): Yukon Golds hold their shape well and have a buttery texture, making them ideal for soup. Russets work too but may break down more.
Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne, jalapeños, or chipotle in adobo can elevate the flavor if you like things bold.
Make It a Stew: Add less broth and simmer longer for a thicker, stew-like version that sticks to your ribs.
Cheesy Finish: Top individual bowls with shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the Drain on the Beef: Leaving in the fat can make the soup overly greasy. A quick drain goes a long way.
Overcooking the Potatoes: Simmer gently and check them occasionally. Overcooked potatoes can turn mushy and lose their texture.
Adding Salt Too Early: Let the broth reduce a bit before adjusting the salt—canned tomatoes and broth already carry sodium.
Crowding the Pot: Use a large enough pot to avoid overflow and allow the soup to cook evenly.
Not Stirring Occasionally: Letting the soup sit still too long can cause ingredients to stick to the bottom or cook unevenly.
Rushing the Simmer: This isn’t a microwave meal. The longer, slower simmer helps deepen the flavors.
Using Too Many Veggies at Once: It’s tempting to throw in everything, but it can muddy the flavors and textures.
Forgetting to Taste at the End: Always do a final flavor check before serving—you’d be surprised what a little more spice or salt can do.

What to Serve With Cowboy Soup?

Cowboy Soup is filling on its own, but pairing it with the right side kicks it up a notch. Whether you want to stretch the meal or round out the flavors, these options are comforting, easy, and crowd-pleasing.

8 Recommendations

Buttermilk Cornbread – Slightly sweet, soft, and perfect for soaking up every drop of that savory broth.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Crispy, cheesy, and ideal for dipping—comfort food doesn’t get better than this.
Crusty Artisan Bread – A warm loaf of sourdough or a rustic roll brings texture and makes the soup feel extra hearty.
Side Salad with Ranch – A simple green salad balances out the richness of the soup and adds a crisp, fresh element.
Baked Potatoes – Go all-in on the comfort by serving a baked potato topped with butter or cheese on the side.
Fried Okra – A Southern-inspired crunch that works wonderfully with the soup’s rustic character.
Pickled Jalapeños or Veggies – Their tangy bite cuts through the richness and adds a fun, zesty layer.
Sweet Tea or Iced Lemonade – To wash it all down, nothing beats a cold, refreshing Southern-style drink.

Storage Instructions

Cowboy Soup is a dream when it comes to leftovers—it stores well, reheats beautifully, and even tastes better the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This soup freezes like a champ. Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat:
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.

Pro Tip: If freezing, slightly undercook the potatoes and veggies. They’ll finish cooking when reheated and won’t turn mushy.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving – approx. 1 ½ cups)

Calories: ~310
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Cholesterol: 55mg

Nutrition will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size. For a lighter version, use lean ground meat and low-sodium broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Cowboy Soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the veggies are tender.

2. Is Cowboy Soup spicy?

Not by default. It’s flavorful but mild. You can kick it up with chili powder, hot sauce, or jalapeños if you like heat.

3. Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great. Just adjust the seasoning slightly if needed.

4. How do I thicken Cowboy Soup?

Simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce the broth, or mash a few potatoes in the soup to naturally thicken it.

5. What’s the best type of potato to use?

Yukon Golds or red potatoes hold their shape well. Russets are fine but may break down more in the broth.

6. Can I use canned vegetables instead of fresh or frozen?

Definitely. Drain them first to avoid excess liquid. They’re a great shortcut for busy weeknights.

7. Does it freeze well with potatoes in it?

Yes, though for best texture, slightly undercook the potatoes before freezing so they don’t get mushy when reheated.

8. Can I make this vegetarian?

For sure. Skip the meat and use plant-based protein or beans, and switch to vegetable broth. It’s still super hearty!

Conclusion

Cowboy Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a bowl of bold flavors, rustic charm, and warm, hearty satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving something cozy on a chilly night, this soup has your back. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Plus, the mix of beef, potatoes, and veggies in a rich tomato broth will make your kitchen smell like a homestyle haven. So grab a spoon, settle in, and enjoy the comfort of Cowboy Soup—cowboy hat optional.